Saying Goodbye to SEAL Team – Max Thieriot Reflects on His Time as Clay Spenser
The military drama SEAL Team has captivated audiences since its premiere in 2017, with viewers drawn to its compelling stories, high-octane action, and deeply emotional character arcs. Throughout the series, one of the most beloved characters was Clay Spenser, portrayed by actor Max Thieriot. Clay’s evolution from an eager, idealistic recruit to a seasoned and emotionally complex Navy SEAL was a central thread in the show’s narrative.
As SEAL Team heads toward its conclusion, many fans were left wondering how the show would wrap up its stories, especially after the emotional departure of Clay in Season 5. For Thieriot, leaving the show was not just a professional decision, but also a deeply personal moment. Reflecting on the series coming to an end, Thieriot recently shared his thoughts on the legacy of SEAL Team, the impact it had on him as an actor, and the relationships that shaped his experience. In this article, we will dive into Max Thieriot’s reflections on his time with SEAL Team, how the show influenced him, and what comes next as the series wraps up.
Max Thieriot’s Journey as Clay Spenser: A Core Character of SEAL Team
Before delving into Thieriot’s reflections on the show, it’s important to understand why Clay Spenser’s character became such a beloved figure in the world of SEAL Team. Introduced as a young, eager Navy SEAL candidate, Clay’s journey was one of personal growth, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of warfare.
Clay’s Early Days: A Bright-Eyed Rookie
When audiences first met Clay Spenser, he was a fresh-faced recruit joining Bravo Team, eager to prove himself as a capable member of the elite military unit. His idealism was evident, but it was quickly tempered by the brutal challenges of SEAL life. As the series progressed, Clay’s naivety gradually gave way to the grit and emotional resilience required to survive in the world of special forces.
Clay’s growth was marked by moments of intense physical and emotional strain. His evolving relationship with his teammates, particularly his bond with Jason Hayes (David Boreanaz), was crucial to the show’s narrative. The father-son dynamic between Jason and Clay became one of the most compelling aspects of the series, offering both comic relief and heartbreaking drama.
Clay’s Personal Struggles: A Journey Through Trauma and Growth
As Clay’s character matured, so did his struggles. He dealt with complex personal issues, including family dynamics, romantic relationships, and the trauma that comes with being a part of an elite military team. His friendship with Jason, in particular, provided an emotional anchor for the character. But it was his gradual realization that being a SEAL came at an immense personal cost—both mentally and physically—that gave Clay depth and made him relatable to many viewers.
By the end of Season 5, after sustaining a life-threatening injury, Clay was written out of the series. This marked a dramatic shift in SEAL Team, as the show had to contend with the absence of a central character. However, for Thieriot, it was the end of a deeply personal chapter, as he reflected on his character’s journey and the impact it had on him.
Max Thieriot Reflects on SEAL Team’s Impact on His Career
A Truly Transformative Experience
For Max Thieriot, playing Clay Spenser was more than just a job—it was an opportunity to grow both as an actor and as a person. In multiple interviews, Thieriot has described his time on SEAL Team as an experience that profoundly shaped his career. “It was a really incredibly experience,” he said. “I’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing people on this show, both in front of and behind the camera. It really helped me grow as an actor.”
Thieriot’s involvement in SEAL Team allowed him to push his limits and take on new challenges as an actor. From intense physical training to tackling complex emotional scenes, playing a character like Clay Spenser required a deep commitment to authenticity. The role gave Thieriot a chance to explore the nuances of military life and its emotional toll, which resonated with both the actor and the audience.
“Clay went through so much—he went from this eager young guy who wanted to prove himself to someone who learned the price of war. It was an incredible journey to take on,” Thieriot explained. His portrayal of Clay’s evolution was marked by both strength and vulnerability, and the actor received praise for his ability to bring depth to a character who was both heroic and deeply flawed.
Bonding with Co-Stars: A Family On and Off Screen
One of the key aspects of Thieriot’s reflection on SEAL Team’s end is the bond he formed with his fellow cast members. The chemistry between Bravo Team was undeniable, and Thieriot’s relationships with his co-stars were at the heart of the show’s success. His camaraderie with David Boreanaz (Jason Hayes) was especially notable, as their characters’ father-son dynamic became one of the emotional pillars of the series.
In interviews, Thieriot often spoke about the close relationships he had with the cast, especially with Boreanaz, who served as both a mentor and friend. “David has been such a huge part of my experience on this show,” Thieriot said. “We’ve been through so much together—both on-screen and off-screen. I’ve learned so much from him, and I consider him a friend for life.”
Beyond Boreanaz, Thieriot also developed strong bonds with Neil Brown Jr. (Ray Perry), A.J. Buckley (Sonny Quinn), and the rest of the cast. These friendships extended beyond the set, and Thieriot often referred to the SEAL Team cast as his “work family.” The support system that formed among the cast members allowed them to create a sense of camaraderie that transcended the fictional world of Bravo Team.
“It’s rare to find a group of people who work so well together,” Thieriot said. “We spent so many hours on set together, and over time, we became more like family than colleagues.”
The Emotional Journey of Leaving SEAL Team
Clay Spenser’s Exit: A Heartfelt Farewell
When Clay Spenser was written out of SEAL Team, it marked the end of a major chapter for Thieriot’s career. The emotional farewell was not only a difficult moment for his character but also for the actor. Leaving behind a role that had defined his career for several years was not an easy decision, but Thieriot felt it was the right time to move on.
“I’ll never forget the last day on set. It was emotional for all of us,” Thieriot recalled. “You form these deep relationships with the people you work with, and when you know it’s coming to an end, it’s tough. But at the same time, I’m proud of what we accomplished with Clay’s story.”
Clay’s exit was handled with the same level of care and respect that the show had given to his character’s journey from the start. The writers made sure that Clay’s departure was meaningful, not just for the character, but for the entire team. His absence forced the remaining members of Bravo Team to grow and adapt, making his exit an essential part of the story’s evolution.
For Thieriot, saying goodbye to the character was a bittersweet experience. “It’s always hard to leave something you’ve put so much of yourself into, but I’m also grateful for the chance to move forward and take on new challenges,” he said.
What’s Next for Max Thieriot After SEAL Team?
New Challenges: Fire Country and Beyond
After his time on SEAL Team, Max Thieriot quickly shifted his focus to his new role in Fire Country, a CBS drama that premiered in 2022. In Fire Country, Thieriot stars as Bode Donovan, a young firefighter with a complicated past who returns to his hometown to work in a firehouse. The show has been well-received, and Thieriot’s performance has garnered praise for his depth and commitment to the role.
“Taking on a new character after playing Clay for so long was a huge challenge for me,” Thieriot admitted. “But I love that challenge. It’s exciting to explore new worlds and tell different stories. Fire Country has been a great new adventure, and I’m really proud of the work we’re doing on the show.”
Beyond Fire Country, Thieriot’s future looks bright. The actor has expressed a desire to continue pursuing diverse roles and exploring different genres. With his strong foundation in both drama and action, he is poised to take on a wide range of projects in the future.
